Lodha committee, a panel appointed by India’s Supreme Court has decided to suspend Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals of the IPL for two years in its verdict on the 2013 betting and spot fixing activities.
Chennai Super Kings, two-time champions in the IPL and Rajasthan Royals were on Tuesday found guilty for an illegal betting and match-fixing probe. The verdict has suspended both the teams from the cash-rich cricket, IPL for two years due to their betting activities of their key officials during the 2013 season. The panel also suspended the key officials, Meiyappan and Kundra from all cricket-related activities for life to protect the integrity of the game.
The teams under the verdict, Chennai Super Kings are led by India skipper MS Dhoni, whereas the Royals are headed by the Australian batsman Steve Smith. Chennai have reached four finals and winning the game in 2010 and 2011. The Royals also won the inaugural tournament in 2008. IPL is the richest of the world’s Twenty20 cricket leagues where Indian and international players take part. The verdict is a setback to the eight-team league and raised apprehension for finding the replacements for two empty slots. The replacement of these slots is important as it would lead to considerable loss of revenues for the league.
Former Chief Justice Mr. Rajendra Lodha, heading the panel, raised the concern for the dishonor that has been brought to cricket. He said in a press conference that the conduct of Meiyappan and Kundra has impacted the image of cricket. The panel was formed in January following an investigation by a separate committee into wrongdoing in the 2013 tournament.
